Ban BPA in California- It's the Final Countdown! Posted
by Tim at 09/08/09 05:23 PM
Ban Bisphenol A for Children Under Three!!!
Tomorrow, the California State Assembly will vote on Senate Bill 797, which would ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food products and packaging designed for children under 3 years old by 2011. BPA is a widely-used chemical found in food and beverage can linings and a building block of polycarbonate plastic used to make a range of products such as sports bottles, food-storage containers, baby bottles, and “sippy” cups.
From CU's press release today:
“California should continue the state’s powerful tradition as a national policy leader and a pioneering watchdog of consumer health and safety, especially when it comes to protecting small children from the dangers of BPA,” said Elisa Odabashian, Director, West Coast Office and State Campaigns, for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. “We urge the State Assembly to vote yes on S.B. 797 and ban BPA for our youngest and most vulnerable consumers.”
The bill, authored by California Senator Fran Pavley, D-Santa Monica, would ban BPA in products such as baby bottles, sippy cups, infant formula and baby food jars designed for children ages three and younger. The bill passed the Senate but faces stiff opposition in the Assembly due in part to lobbying by the chemical and infant formula industries.
Connecticut and Minnesota along with Suffolk County in New York and the city of Chicago have already banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. In 2008, the Canadian government banned its use in baby bottles.
Almost a decade ago, Consumers Union was one of the first to test BPA in baby bottles, and to warn consumers about its potential dangers. Today, an array of groups, including consumer, health, environmental, medical and scientific, have urged FDA to remove BPA from food and beverage containers, and at the very least, to protect the most vulnerable consumers-young children and pregnant women.
To take action now by emailing a letter or better yet take the time to call your Assemblymember now and tell them to pass S.B. 797
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